Medieval knighthood orders.

A knight was held in esteem during the mediaeval ages across Europe. Of course, the term referred to a person of high ranking who choses to represent the King in the battlefield. This definition has lost its meaning in recent times as monarchy is not the preferred way to govern a country or state anymore.

Yet, Britain is not completely done away with this tradition and the Queen bestows knighthood upon individuals who play a positive role in bringing prestige to the nation. However, the order of knights’ does not have much to do with prowess on the battlefield. You can trace its history back to 1099 AD–1291AD during the mediaeval ages. It was inspired by religious belief and gave the knights courage to fight for establishing the principles of Christianity across Europe and parts of West Asia with Jerusalem being the primary target of the Roman Catholic Church.

The mediaeval orders were almost always associated with chivalry with many members of the nobility and clergy across Europe being enthused by the idea of carrying the flame of Christianity to far-off lands. Multiple orders of the knight were coveted by the crusaders, who were not averse to risking their lives for the faith.

This period of high energy and undying faith in the power of Christianity remained at its height between the 11th and 15th centuries. these orders that were a unique combination of warfare and the life of piety led by monks proved to be the most powerful institutions across mediaeval Europe. Both students of history and religion are fascinated by the tales of valour when fighting for one’s faith was achieved by the power of the sword.

Some of the most distinguished mediaeval knighthood orders that deserve a mention include the following:

• The Knights Templar

This is believed to be the first order that came into being in the Holy Land of Jerusalem. It was introduced by Hugue de Payens and Godfrey de Saint Adhemar in 1118. The primary purpose of the order was to escort pilgrims through the Holy lands comprising Jerusalem, Jericho, and Jordan, i.e. all the sites are known for the baptism of Jesus Christ. The order gained seven French knights to assist the cause. The increasing group found shelter in the Temple of Solomon, which resulted in its name Templar. This order led to the formation of similar groups with the members being known as warrior monks.

• The Hospitallers of St John

 A separate hospital for the weary and ill pilgrims was formed in Jerusalem as early as 1070 AD. It followed the Knights Templar in 1120 by becoming armed to fight the Crusades. The order had a nonviolent faction as well as a wing of warrior monks.

• The Knights of St Lazarus

This order was based in Jerusalem as well. However, the order began as a leper hospital well before the First Crusade. It was not surprising to find the knights of this order being lepers themselves. Other knights and common people joined the order despite suffering from leprosy.

• The Hospitallers of St Thomas of Canterbury

This was founded right after the siege of Acre when the Mamluks gained victory over the Christian Crusaders. The order was named for the martyred Archbishop of Canterbury, i.e. Thomas Becket. However, the group was limited to a few English knights.  

• The Teutonic Knights

 This was yet another order that surfaced after the Siege of Ace. The only feature that made it different from the Hospitallers of St Thomas of Canterbury was its regional identity. It was mostly made up of German knights. Recognised by the Pope, it became a shelter for millions of crusaders who ventured into the Holy Land from Central Europe. It expanded into Eastern Europe by fighting several wars and became the primary political force that formed the Eastern European Society that openly favoured Christianity.  

Many other orders were founded across Europe in the mediaeval ages. Although distinct in many ways, the purpose of spreading Christianity through the might of the sword remained unaltered.

FAQs

1. What was the purpose of Mediaeval Knighthood Orders?

Knights were expected to follow the doctrine of Christianity and act charitably toward common people. Military obligation forced some knights to take up their swords to establish Christianity across Europe and the Byzantine Empire. Different groups were formed during the Middle Ages, with some of them recognised by the Roman Catholic State.

2. Which was the first recognised order of knights?

The Knights of the Holy Sepulchre were under the Holy See and protected by the Pope, who was the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Its purpose was to organise multiple social and charitable tasks while showing people how to become true Christians while remaining loyal to the Pope and Roman Catholic Church. The ‘Milites Sancti Sepulcri’ was formed after the end of the First Crusade to defend the Church from non-believers.

3. Which was the last order?

The Knights of San Stefano of Tuscany were formed in 1561 with the specific purpose of defeating the Mediterranean pirates. The dominance of Turkey over the seas ended with the Battle of Lepanto fought in 1571.

4. Does any order of knights exist today?

Multiple orders remain today, albeit with a different purpose. There is no military show of strength with most of them like the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Order of Saint John, and Order of the Garter, and Seraphim (Swedish Royal Order), play social and charitable roles with a few regional orders being equated with awards and status.

5. Are knighthood orders referred to differently in history?

You will find the military orders of knights associated with the mediaeval period being referred to by different terms. Order of chivalry or chivalric order along with the equestrian order is used to define the same thing.